Author Archive Suzanne Hull

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines as a Nonprofit Partner this year.

St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.

SVdP is a community assistance organization dedicated to serving and uplifting individuals and families who are facing the challenges of poverty and resource scarcity. With programs established on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential, SVdP’s mission is to help those in need to achieve self-sufficiency through access to basic needs, education, community connectedness, and unconditional support.

The organization offers a variety of assistance options designed to meet the needs of a diverse community. Its programming focuses on alleviating critical issues while also addressing the systemic causes of poverty in the community.

SVdP provides a variety of services, including access to a food and clothing pantry, a workforce preparedness program, a reentry program for individuals exiting incarceration, and opportunities for adult education. The organization also operates a 24-hour sobering center for those struggling with alcohol use, as well as an intervention team dedicated to keeping parents and young children together. In addition, SVdP manages four thrift store locations, with the most recent opening in Ankeny in the spring of 2025.

As SVdP continues to evolve, the organization aims to address the unmet needs of our community. This is done by engaging with the individuals and families we serve, community members, and local leaders to identify issues and develop solutions for ongoing and evolving challenges faced by those most in need.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with First Christian Church as a Nonprofit Partner this year.

First Christian Church and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Thursday, December 11 and Saturday, December 13, 2025. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.

First Christian Church is a bridge to Christ in the heart of Winterset, Iowa. From support for AA to scholarships for students, they join other Disciples Churches as a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Heartland Swing Inc. as a Nonprofit Partner this year.

Heartland Swing Inc. and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.

Heartland Swing is a nonprofit dedicated to building community through the joy of swing dancing. We offer monthly social dances, classes, performances, and events for everyone that celebrate the rich history of Lindy Hop and other swing-era dances. Whether you are brand new or a seasoned dancer, our goal is to create a fun, welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and share in the music and movement that brings together.

See our upcoming classes and events at HeartlandSwing.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HeartlandSwing

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with The Beacon as a Nonprofit Partner this year.

The Beacon and their team of volunteers will be selling brats at IECC’s Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt wooden vendor hut on Friday, December 5 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.

The Beacon is a trauma-informed, equity-centered recovery residence that empowers women in crisis to achieve long-term stability, healing, and independence. Based in Des Moines, The Beacon operates both a 34-bed shelter with transitional housing and a 32-unit permanent housing community—each offering on-site, holistic support.

Residents have access to case management, on-site therapy, life skills classes, employment and financial coaching, and connections to trusted community partners. Whether a woman is seeking safety after incarceration, fleeing domestic violence, navigating recovery, or rebuilding after homelessness, The Beacon provides a safe and supportive environment to begin again.

Through programs rooted in dignity, accountability, and care, The Beacon helps women rebuild their lives with purpose. Every $26 donated supports one full day of care for a resident. You can join the movement by becoming a monthly donor at www.thebeacondm.org/26forher.

We’re honored to partner with Christkindlmarket Des Moines and are grateful for the opportunity to share our mission and connect with the community through this meaningful event.

Learn more at www.thebeacondm.org.